Recently, I posted a couple of pieces about death squads in Iraq hunting, torturing and killing gay men. This is not a new story it’s been going on since the invasion but has barely been noticed by the media. In both posts I included the email address for the PMO and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I wanted to share with you the letter I received from The Honourable Lawrence Cannon last week in response to a letter I wrote to him about this horrible situation. This proves that our politicians are listening. Please take a moment to send your thoughts to Ottawa. We can help.

To wit:

Mr. Andrew Vail

Dear Mr. Vail:

Thank you for your email of September 18, 2009, concerning reports of human rights violations against men in Iraq on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Officials from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada are monitoring the situation and have followed up on allegations of executions. While the Iraqi authorities have recently resumed executions of prisoners charged with capital offences, neither the United Nations (UN) nor the international community have been able to verify that some men in Iraq are being incarcerated and facing the death penalty on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, as well as foreign embassies, have all expressed concern at the resumption of the execution of the death penalty in Iraq but have not made an explicit link between the executions and the sexual orientation of those individuals facing the death penalty.

While homosexuality is neither a capital nor criminal offense in Iraq, Canada is concerned about the human rights violations experienced by individuals on the basis of sexual orientation in many countries. Canada will not remain silent when individuals face execution, torture and other human rights violations based on their sexual orientation, if there is concrete evidence to indicate that such violations are occurring. During the review of States as part of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review, Canada has clearly spoken out on a number of occasions against human rights violations committed against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The promotion and protection of human rights for all people without discrimination is a priority for the Government of Canada. The statement that Canada delivered during the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly reflected the concern of many countries that individuals should not be at additional risk of violence or death because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Please be assured that Canada stands up for human rights and takes principled positions on important issues to ensure that freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and values that define this country, are enjoyed around the world.

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Foreign Affairs